Ethernet Exchange Roundup: CENX, Colt, Neutral Tandem, and AboveNet

It's not often we get so much news on one subject in one morning, even for Ethernet Exchanges which have been hot for a year.

Independent exchange operator CENX announced that it has reached 15 million Ethernet Service Locations served through its exchanges around the world. That's just four months after it reached 10M, and suggests continued growth ahead. Another major operator also announced its participation in CENX's exchanges as well. This time it wasColt over in Europe with its 17K+ on-net buildings across the continent.

Competing exchange provider tndm fired its own volley, adding Business Only Broadband to its own roster of Ethernet Exchange customers. BOB operates in the Chicago and New York City metro areas. Interestingly, it's connectivity is via fixed wireless rather than copper or fiber, with a focus on institutions and large enterprises.

And abvt made a move of its own by introducing an Ethernet eXchange Hub service. Offered initially to customers operating in select CENX and Equinix Carrier Ethernet exchanges, the new service allows centralized, aggregated access to enterprises and key data centers via AboveNet's fiber network. Having such a product dedicated to the needs of customers connecting via Ethernet Exchanges is an interesting approach. I wonder if other carriers will follow suit.